Atlanta Real Estate Market Update | November 2025

After a challenging and slow-moving 2025, new housing data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) shows that real change is on the horizon for Metro Atlanta’s real estate market. With home sales projected to climb 14% nationwide in 2026 and mortgage rates expected to ease, both buyers and sellers in Atlanta may finally get the market conditions they’ve been waiting for.

Combined with Atlanta’s ongoing population growth and strong job market, the region is positioned for a meaningful rebound heading into the new year.

Here’s what Atlanta-area homeowners, buyers, and sellers need to know.

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Key Highlights for Metro Atlanta

• Home sales are projected to rise 14% in 2026, ending the stagnation of 2025

• Home prices expected to increase 4% nationally, with Metro Atlanta likely performing at or above that pace

• Mortgage rates forecast to average around 6% (down from ~6.7% in 2025)

• Buyer demand already growing, with mortgage applications up 31% year over year

• Atlanta continues to outperform the national market due to strong in-migration and job growth

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Atlanta Market Finally Gaining Momentum After a Slow 2025

The Metro Atlanta housing market spent much of 2025 adjusting to higher mortgage rates and limited affordability. Showings slowed, days on market increased, and many buyers chose to wait.

But according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, 2026 is expected to mark a clear turning point. Stabilizing rates, improving inflation, and steady employment growth are setting the stage for a substantial rebound.

“Next year is really the year that we will see a measurable increase in sales.”

For Atlanta specifically, this shift could be even more noticeable. The region continues to attract new residents from other states, helping maintain strong long-term demand for housing.

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Will Home Prices Drop in Atlanta in 2026? Experts Say No.

Atlanta homeowners consistently ask whether prices might fall in the coming year. According to NAR’s forecast—and based on local data—the answer remains no.

Nationally, home prices are expected to rise 3% by the end of 2025 and another 4% in 2026.
In Metro Atlanta, appreciation is often stronger than the national average due to:

• Continued population growth

• A competitive job market (tech, logistics, film, healthcare)

• Limited resale inventory

• New construction that still can’t meet demand in many areas

“Home prices nationwide are in no danger of declining.”

If you're a homeowner in places like Alpharetta, East Cobb, Brookhaven, Smyrna, Roswell, or Decatur, rising values are expected to strengthen your equity heading into 2026.
If you're a buyer, entering the market sooner could help you avoid further price appreciation.

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Mortgage Rates Expected to Improve — A Boost for Atlanta Buyers

Mortgage rates averaging near 6.7% in 2025 made affordability the biggest challenge in Metro Atlanta. But that trend is shifting.

NAR forecasts average mortgage rates of about 6% in 2026. Even this modest improvement can significantly change monthly payments, especially in Atlanta’s mid-price and upper mid-price markets.

“It’s not going to be a big decline, but it will be a modest decline that will improve affordability.”

Lower rates mean:

• More purchasing power

• Lower monthly payments

• More buyer competition

• Faster market movement

If you’re planning to buy in 2026, preparing early—getting pre-approved, budgeting, and identifying areas—will put you ahead of the curve.

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Buyer Activity Is Rising: Mortgage Applications Up 31%

The recovery isn’t something we’re waiting for—it's already showing up in the data. Mortgage applications for home purchases are 31% higher than this time last year.

This is a strong indicator that buyers in Atlanta are gearing up for 2026.

Combined with the reopening of government operations after a 43-day shutdown, this uptick points toward an active spring and summer market across Metro Atlanta.

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Who’s Buying in Atlanta? The Market Split Continues

NAR’s latest survey shows a growing divide between buyers who have existing equity and first-time buyers trying to break in—an especially relevant trend in Atlanta.

• First-time buyers now make up only 21% of the market, a record low

• Traditional average: 40%

• Median first-time buyer age: 40

• Top-performing price segment: $750K–$1M homes, which includes many Atlanta suburbs

“We have haves and have-nots. First-time home buyers are really struggling to get in, while those who have housing equity are building credit.”

In Metro Atlanta, this trend often plays out as:

• Move-up buyers in East Cobb, Roswell, North Fulton, and Gwinnett

• Equity-rich sellers transitioning to new construction

• First-time buyers priced out of close-in suburbs and widening their search to Paulding, Cherokee, Henry, and Forsyth Counties

If you're a first-time buyer, improving rates and increasing inventory in 2026 may finally create a smoother path to homeownership.

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If You’re Selling in Atlanta: Pricing Strategy Matters More Than Ever

As the 2025 market slowed, many listings required price reductions to attract buyers. NAR data provides clear guidance based on days on market:

• 0–14 days: 4.9% reduction

• 15–30 days: 6.1%

• 31–60 days: 7.3%

• 61–90 days: 9.0%

• 91–120 days: 10.6%

• 120+ days: 13.8%

“Homes that sit on the market for long … will need to reduce the price to attract buyers.”

Metro Atlanta buyers are extremely price-sensitive right now—especially in the $400K–$700K range. Starting with the right list price is essential to maximizing your home’s exposure and sale price.

If you're thinking about selling in 2026, now is the ideal time to start planning updates, staging, and pricing strategy.

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What the 2026 Forecast Means for You as an Atlanta Buyer or Seller

If You’re Buying in Metro Atlanta

• Lower rates can boost your buying power

• Rising prices mean buying sooner helps build future equity

• Expect more inventory and more competition

If You’re Selling

• Buyer activity is expected to increase significantly

• Home prices continue trending upward

• Early preparation will put your listing at a major advantage

If You’re a Homeowner

• Atlanta continues to be one of the strongest long-term real estate markets in the Southeast

• Your equity is likely to grow further in 2026

• Refinancing or moving up may become more affordable as rates improve